36th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 44 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110218521 | ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE - Instrument handles isolate the functions of supporting the instrument and actuating controls on the instrument. An instrument handle may be grasped and supported by the less dexterous digits and palm of a human hand, and controls mounted on the instrument handle may be actuated by the more dexterous digits. The instrument handle may couple to an end effector so that the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder remain in a comfortable position when the end effector is positioned to act effectively on a selected portion of a workpiece, such as a surgical site. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218522 | FLEXIBLE SHAFT EXTENDER AND METHOD OF USING SAME - An extender for use in an electro-mechanical surgical system that includes a surgical attachment that may be detachably coupled to an electro-mechanical driver device via a flexible shaft. The extender is a substantially rigid extender that includes a proximal end that may be detachably coupled to a distal end of the flexible shaft. The extender also includes a distal end that may be detachably coupled to the surgical attachment. The extender also includes at least one rotatable drive shaft configured to engage and be secured with a respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft such that rotation of the respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft by the electro-mechanical driver device causes the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the extender to rotate, thereby rotating a complementary connector of the surgical attachment so as to operate the surgical attachment. The extender may include a memory unit and a data cable that transfers data from the memory unit to an electro-mechanical driver device. Additionally or alternatively, the extender may include a data cable that transfers data from a memory unit in the surgical attachment to the electro-mechanical driver device. Advantageously, the extender is autoclavable. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218523 | Apparatus for Movable and Weight-Compensating Suspension of a Focusing Objective of a Laser System - An apparatus for movable weight-compensating suspension of a focussing objective of a laser system comprises a force generation device to generate a counterforce component | 2011-09-08 |
20110218524 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LASER-BASED SURGERY AND TREATMENT - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for laser-based surgery and treatment, in particular of the human body. Inter alia, the present disclosure teaches an apparatus having a femtosecond laser that emits at least one pulse of laser energy having a pulse duration of less than 100 femtoseconds and a fiber optical channel for conducting said emitted pulse of laser energy to a vicinity of a human body to irradiate a localized area of said human body to effect at least one of microsurgery, neurosurgery, treatment of cardiovascular disease, treatment of the skin, tissue removal for biopsy, cutting of a mucous membrane, disintegration or vaporization of a gallstone or a kidney stone, and orthopedic surgery. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218525 | Preparation For Endovenous Laser Ablation - Improved systems and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218526 | VARIABLE-OUTPUT RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION POWER SUPPLY - A medical system is provided, including an ablation system having at least one ablation element and a sensor, a generator operable to deliver radiofrequency ablation energy to the ablation element. A power supply defines a duty cycle and provides a voltage to the generator, and the power supply has a duty cycle modulator and an amplitude modulator. A processor is connected to the power supply, the generator, and the sensor. The processor obtains a feedback signal from the sensor, and adjusts the duty cycle modulator and the amplitude modulator according to the feedback signal. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218527 | Microwave Antenna Probe Having a Deployable Ground Plane - A surgical ablation system employing an ablation probe having a deployable ground plane is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a source of ablation energy and a source of electrosurgical energy, and a switching assembly configured to select between ablation and electrosurgical modes. The probe includes a cannula having a shaft slidably disposed therein. The shaft includes a deployable ground plane electrode assembly and a needle electrode disposed at distal end of the shaft. As the shaft is extended distally from the cannula, the ground plane electrode unfolds, and the needle electrode is exposed. Electrosurgical energy is applied to tissue via the needle electrode to facilitate the insertion thereof into tissue. Ablation energy is applied to tissue via the needle electrode to achieve the desired surgical outcome. The shaft, ground plane electrode and needle electrode are retracted into the cannula, and withdrawn from the surgical site. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218528 | ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE ACCESS AND PENETRATION - Methods, devices, and systems for accessing and penetrating an anatomical structure using suction force and energy ablation or mechanical penetration. In one aspect, a catheter is stabilized on the occlusion, a longitudinal member is advanced to penetrate the occlusion and recanalize the body vessel. In another aspect, a catheter is stabilized on the pericardium, ablation energy is delivered through a longitudinal member to create an opening on the pericardium. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218529 | Indwelling Nerve Block Catheters - A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218530 | Surgical Forceps Including Belt Blade Reverser Mechanism - A forceps includes first and second shafts having a jaw connected thereto. At least one jaw is moveable from an open to a closed position and includes a blade slot extending therealong configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. An actuation assembly is disposed within one shaft and is configured for translating the blade between retracted and extended positions. The blade extends at least partially through the blade slot in the extended position. The actuation assembly includes an actuator engaged to a belt disposed within the shaft. The belt is configured for rotation about at least one pulley. A blade holder having the blade connected thereto is engaged to the belt. The blade holder defines a pre-determined load limit that, when exceeded, disengages the blade holder from the belt. Translating the actuator proximally translates the blade distally to the extended position when the blade holder is engaged to the belt. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218531 | ENDOSTEAL NAIL PLATE FOR FIXING BONE SEGMENTS - An endosteal nail plate for fixing bone segments is provided. More particularly, there is provided an endosteal nail plate that can be made up of a single piece, or of multiple pieces, as desired. Additionally, the intramedullary nail utilizes a threaded slot on the body thereof, for engaging locking screws for fixation of the intramedullary nail within a bone of a patient. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218532 | CORONOID FRACTURE FIXATION DEVICE - The invention provides a coronoid process fracture fixation device having an elongate body and a stop piece attached to one end. The elongate body is adapted for passing through the proximal ulna, across the fracture, and through the coronoid process. The stop piece, once it passes through the bone, deploys to an extended position approximately perpendicular to the elongate body and prevents the fixation device from backing out of the bone. Once inserted and the stop piece is deployed, the fixation device is fixed in place by a removable retaining device. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218533 | RADIUS-PLATE ASSEMBLY - An assembly for reducing a fracture between an epiphysis and a diaphysis of a bone has a bone plate having a fan-shaped outer end formed with a plurality of outer holes and a bar-shaped inner end extending along a longitudinal axis from the outer end and formed with a plurality of inner holes. The plate further is formed on the bar-shaped inner end with a longitudinally extending throughgoing guide slot and between the guide slot and the outer holes with an aperture. A slide has a longitudinally extending leg with an inner end formed with a guide formation engaged into and longitudinally slidable along the guide slot and a crosspiece overlying the aperture and engaging the bone plate to both transverse sides of the aperture. The crosspiece is formed with a transversely elongated slide slot, and a slide screw engaged through the slide. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218534 | ADJUSTABLE-ANGLE RADIUS PLATE - A bone plate for a fracture between an epiphysis and a diaphysis has an outer part unitarily formed with a fan-shaped outer end having a plurality of outer holes and an inner end extending from the outer end. A bar-shaped inner part has an outer end juxtaposed with the inner end of the outer part and formed inward of its outer end with a plurality of inner holes. A pivot is provided between the inner end of the outer part and the outer end of the inner part. Formations juxtaposed with the pivot on the inner end of the outer part and on the outer end of the inner part are lockable together in each of a plurality of angularly offset fixed positions of the inner and outer parts. When the formations are pressed together the inner and outer parts are locked angularly relative to each other. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218535 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR BONE FRACTURE FIXATION - Apparatus and methods to facilitate fixation of a fracture are disclosed. These apparatus include a bone plate for the fixation of a fractured bone having a plurality of fastener openings so that the bone plate may be secured by a plurality of fasteners across a reduced fracture to fixate a reduced fracture. The bone plate is configured to flex in situ to conform to the surface of the bone while providing sufficient stiffness in the plane of the device to resist forces and moments in the plane. Methods of use of the present invention include fastening the bone plate to a first side of the fracture, flexing portions of the bone plate to bias against the bone surface on the second side of the fracture, fastening the portions of the bone plate so biased to the second side of the fracture, thereby fixating the fracture by fastening the bone plate to the second side of the fracture. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218536 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHAVING BONE - A medical catheter extrusion forms a sheath around a wire. The extrusion is coupled to a steering and motivating handle. The handle is part of a housing that houses a motivation component fixed to the housing, a crankshaft, or similar eccentric component, couples to the motivation component, which is coupled to a proximal end of the wire. At the wire's distal end, a cutting tip with canted teeth couples to the wire. The cutting tip is capable of cutting bone when moving axially toward the catheter extrusion but glides across the bone without cutting it when moving axially away from the catheter extrusion. The motivation component can be a motor or buttons or a trigger, that couple to the wire and converts manual movement into reciprocating motion of the flexible shaft. The shaft's reciprocating motion moves the flexible and steerable shaft back and forth to move the. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218537 | Method and Apparatus for Preparing a Proximal Femur - A system for preparing a proximal femur can include a broach that includes a broach body having an anterior side, a posterior side, a lateral side and a medial side. The medial side can have a roughened cutting surface. The lateral side can have a smooth, non-cutting surface. The system can further comprise a cutting scribe assembly and a cutting guide assembly. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218538 | FLEXIBLE DRILL AND METHOD OF JOINING NITINOL TO DISSIMILAR METALS - A flexible drill with a shaft having a nitinol portion (or nitinol region) provided between a stainless steel driver end and a stainless steel drill tip. The flexible drill with nitinol shaft is provided with a bearing surface to allow centering within a drill guide, low friction bearing and flexibility to drill around a curve. The bearing surface may be formed of a fluoropolymer such as LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). The flexible drill shaft may be used through a drill guide, such as a curved drill sleeve. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218539 | Patient Selectable Joint Arthroplasty Devices and Surgical Tools - Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218540 | Method and Apparatus for Performing An Open Wedge Osteotomy - A method and apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy utilizing a keyed, wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a keyed, wedge-shaped opening created in a bone. The keys may be disposed in vertical or horizontal arrangements. In addition, a shear rib key hole may be formed adjacent the wedge-shaped opening in the bone. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218541 | FEMORAL CUT GUIDE - The present disclosure provides a femoral cut guide for preparing a distal femur to receive a prosthetic femoral component of a knee implant. The prosthetic femoral component includes a central box. The femoral cut guide replicates the size and shape of the prosthetic femoral component, such that the femoral cut guide may serve as a trial or provisional component used to reduce and test the prepared knee joint before implanting the final prosthetic femoral component. The femoral cut guide includes a detachable box cut guide for preparing the distal femur to receive the central box of the prosthetic femoral component. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218542 | Systems and instrumentalities for use in total ankle replacement surgery - Custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guide system and instrumentalities including a tibial cutting guide position verification device is disclosed. A computer-based system and method for making the custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides is also disclosed. Further disclosed is an adjustable tibial reaming guide positioning system for allowing a position for reaming of a distal tibia to be adjusted during total ankle replacement surgery and, particularly, during total ankle arthroplasty for prostheses with an intramedullary stem. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218543 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT - Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device, a reference sensor device, and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device, reference sensor device, and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, or otherwise to assist in an orthopedic procedure(s). | 2011-09-08 |
20110218544 | Void Containment Apparatus and Method of Use for Creating a Sealed Environment for Product Delivery - A void containment apparatus and its method of use during an invasive procedure on the body are disclosed. The void containment apparatus includes an elongated housing and a balloon. The balloon is capable of being inflated and deflated. When inflated, the balloon provides a seal around a void and allows delivery or extraction of material into or out of the void with minimal leakage outside the void. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218545 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY GUIDES - An orthopedic device for joint arthroplasty includes a patient-specific alignment guide constructed and configured for a specific patient from medical scans that show a bone surface of a bone of the patient without any overlying soft tissue. The patient-specific alignment guide includes a patient-specific inner surface configured to be offset from and mimic the bone surface and form a clearance for soft tissue overlying the bone surface. The alignment guide also includes a plurality of patient-specific contact areas configured to mate and register directly on the bone surface without intervening soft tissue for direct bone registration. The plurality of patient-specific contact areas includes non-contiguous surface contact areas. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218546 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLED ADJUSTMENT OF A SURGICAL POSITIONING UNIT - The invention concerns a device for adjusting the position of a screw ( | 2011-09-08 |
20110218547 | VACUUM EXTRACTOR CUP FOR DELIVERY - A vacuum extractor cup | 2011-09-08 |
20110218548 | CARTRIDGE FOR AN ELECTRODE ARRAY INSERTION DEVICE - A device, system and method for inserting a pre-curved electrode array ( | 2011-09-08 |
20110218549 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING A TRIAL STIMULATION SYSTEM HAVING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR DISPOSED ON A TRIAL STIMULATION LEAD - A trial stimulation lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue during a trial stimulation includes a trial stimulation lead for insertion into a patient. The trial stimulation lead includes an elongated lead body having a length and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at a distal end of the lead body. An electrical connector is disposed at a proximal end of the lead body. The electrical connector includes an outer case and a contact array disposed along the outer case. The contact array extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the lead body. A plurality of electrical conductors extend along the length of the lead body and couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of contacts. A lumen extends along at least a portion of the length of the lead body. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218550 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AND ADJUSTING POSITIONING AND ORIENTATION OF A SURGICAL DEVICE - A system and method including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate member defining a longitudinal axis and configured to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis is presented. The instrument further includes a handle member configured to be attached to the proximal end of the elongate member, the handle member operatively associated with a rotation mechanism. The instrument also includes an end effector configured to be attached to the distal end of the elongate member, the end effector operatively associated with an articulation mechanism and configured to be pivotable throughout a plurality of directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. A software algorithm is used to identify, track, and control directional movement of the end effector in accordance with rotational movement of the elongate member. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218551 | INSTRUMENT INTERFACE OF A ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM - An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218552 | System and method of removing skin lesions - A system and method for the removal of various skin lesions located on or in the outer layer of the skin. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218553 | SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER RATCHET MECHANISM - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218554 | Automatic clip applier for clamping two ligating clips simultaneously - An automatic clip applier for clamping ligating clips is disclosed, which includes: a handling unit, and two clamping means laminating with each other and connecting to the handling unit. Each clamping means respectively contains: a jaw unit containing a clipping portion to clamp a ligating clip; a magazine unit for storing plural ligating clip; a feeding unit for translating the endmost ligating clip from the magazine unit to the clipping portion of the jaw unit; and a dispensing unit for serially translating the endmost ligating clip to the end of the feeding unit. Accordingly, the automatic clip applier provided by the present invention can be used for clamping two ends of a vessel simultaneously, and the step of taking ligating clips can also be omitted. Hence, the surgical procedure can be simplified and the surgical time can be shortened by use of the automatic clip applier of the present invention. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218555 | CLIP APPLIER WITH MIGRATIONAL RESISTANCE FEATURES - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218556 | CLIP ADVANCER WITH LOCKOUT MECHANISM - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a housing having a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The clip applier can include an advancer assembly disposed within the elongate shaft and configured to advance one of a plurality of clips disposed within the elongate shaft into the opposed jaws. A feeder shoe can be disposed within the elongate shaft and can be configured to engage and prevent the advancer assembly from moving to a proximal position after the advancer assembly has moved to a distal position to advance a proximal-most clip into the opposed jaws. This can indicate to a user that a clip supply of the surgical clip applier is depleted. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218557 | METHODS OF MENISCUS REPAIR - Methods of repairing knee meniscus tears are described which use suture passer devices and suture shuttles. These methods may be used with continuous suture passing, so that the suture passer device may remain on or in the tissue while passing a suture shuttle, and therefore a suture, back and forth from one side of the tissue to the other. These methods may be used minimally invasively for repairing meniscus tissue while avoiding further damage to the meniscus. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218558 | TISSUE PIECE FORMING DEVICE AND TISSUE PIECE FORMING METHOD - A tissue piece forming device suitable for forming a tissue piece required in the process of fabricating a novel tissue array chip having many benefits such as the one that the tissue array chip can be fabricated even if the tissue included in a tissue block has a small thickness. The tissue piece forming device ( | 2011-09-08 |
20110218559 | OXIDIZED POLYPROPYLENE MESH MATERIALS FOR TISSUE IN GROWTH - Oxidized polypropylene meshes are described that help promote tissue in growth wherein the oxidized surface attracts macrophages and helps reduce inflammation about the area to which it is implanted. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218560 | EMBOLECTOMY DEVICE - An embodiment is a catheter comprising a first elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a first lumen therethrough, a wire having a proximal end and a distal end at least partially disposed in the first elongate shaft, the distal end extending distally from the first elongate shaft, and a motion control apparatus connected to the proximal end of the wire, further comprising a device attached to the distal end of the wire for changing the shape of an embolus, wherein the device is configured to change the shape of the embolus to unclog a distal catheter lumen. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218561 | Implant Method - The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant in a bone. In the bone, a thin slit is formed by a cutting tool in a mesiodistal direction around an insertion spot of the implant. The thin slit is cut and widened by a bone chisel. Into the implant insertion spot, a tool for forming cavity provided with a needle portion is squeezed while being rotated, and a cavity is formed. In the formed cavity and the slit, blood of a patient is collected, by which a tissue is rapidly regenerated and bonded to the inserted implant, and the implant is firmly fixed to the bone. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218562 | ROTARY KNIFE CUTTING SYSTEMS - A rotary cutting system for use with a surgical stapling device. The rotary cutting system generally includes a knife blade and a mainspring for imparting rotary motion to the circular knife blade. A hammer member is provided and is configured and adapted to engage the knife blade. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218563 | FLOATING GASTROINTESTINAL ANCHOR - Apparatus is provided for use in a stomach of a subject. The apparatus includes a gastric balloon and an anchor coupled to the gastric balloon. The anchor includes a flexible tube, which, when in a relaxed position, is shaped so as to define a portion that prevents the anchor from passing into a duodenum of the subject. The anchor also includes one or more shape-controlling elements coupled to the portion and configured to control a shape of the portion. Other embodiments are also described. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218564 | Valvuloplasty Catheter And Methods - A valvuloplasty catheter has a dog-bone shaped balloon with semi-compliant smaller diameter waist and non-compliant larger diameter bulbous end regions. The balloon centers across the valve with the waist adjacent to the annulus. One bulbous region serves to hyperextend the valve leaflets and the other assists in stabilizing the balloon position to reduce migration. The semi-compliant waist increases in diameter as fluid enters the balloon until it comes into contact with the valve annulus. The pressure within the balloon per unit of volume delivery has a greater slope after contact with the annulus than before resulting in a change in slope for the pressure versus volume curve. The diameter of the balloon and annulus are determined at this inflection point when the balloon contacts the annulus. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218565 | BALLOON DISSECTOR WITH BALLOON TIP CANNULA - A combined balloon dissector with a balloon tip cannula is disclosed. The combined balloon dissector is configured and adapted to facilitate the formation of an anatomical space within the body. A method of using the combined balloon dissector is also disclosed. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218566 | METHOD FOR LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION - Disclosed is an occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device includes an occlusion member and may also include a stabilizing member. The stabilizing member inhibits compression of the left atrial appendage, facilitating tissue in-growth onto the occlusion member. Methods are also disclosed. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218567 | Systems and Methods for Treating Septal Defects - A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the body member and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218568 | VESSEL CLOSURE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A vessel closure system is provided that can include a plurality of shape memory anchors configured to close a puncture in a vessel wall. The shape memory anchors can be at least partially disposed within a guide member and can be comprised of materials having shape memory properties. The shape memory anchors can be configured to change from a first configuration suitable for deployment from the guide member and through the vessel wall to a second configuration adapted to resist proximal movement against a distal surface of the vessel wall. The shape memory anchors can be coupled to at least one suture. The vessel closure system can also include a plurality of carriers having a distal end and a proximal end. The carriers can be disposed at least partially within the guide member. Each of the carrier members can be configured to deploy at least one of the shape memory anchors from the guide member. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218569 | Pacifier for Use with Premature Newborns and Infants - A pacifier for use with premature newborns and infants. The pacifier has a shield and a hollow bulb projecting from one side of the shield, the bulb defining a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile or internal shape along at least a portion of its length from the shield to its distal free end. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218570 | RADIOLUCENT BONE PLATE WITH RADIOPAQUE MARKER - A bone plate has a main body configured to position adjacent bones with respect to each other. The main body includes a plurality of separate layers bonded together. Each layer is comprised of a radiolucent material and has a first aperture and a second aperture that extend through the layer. The layers are all stacked such that the first apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other and the second apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other. An insert can be positioned within the first aperture. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218571 | ARTICULATED INTERVERTEBRAL SURGICAL IMPLANT TO ENCOURAGE CERTAIN INTERVERTEBRAL MOVEMENTS - The invention relates to a surgical implant intended to maintain and assist with the relative movement with respect to one another of two successive vertebras so as to obtain dynamic stabilization, said implant comprising an upper piece ( | 2011-09-08 |
20110218572 | EXPANDABLE LAMINA SPINAL FUSION IMPLANT - An expandable intervertebral implant comprises a caudal fixator including a caudal fixator body and a socket extending longitudinally upward from the caudal fixator body, a cranial fixator including a cranial fixator body and a core extending longitudinally downward from the cranial fixator body, and a circlip configured to fix the longitudinal position of the caudal fixator relative to the cranial fixator. The core can include outwardly-extending cranial ratchet ridges and can be configured to fit into the socket. The circlip can include inwardly-extending circlip ratchet ridges and can be configured to fit inside the socket. The implant can be configured to be installed into an intervertebral space between vertebrae of the spinal motion segment by attaching the implant to laminae of the vertebrae. The implant can be configured to be expanded after installation into the spinal motion segment, such that the implant extends between spinous processes of the vertebrae. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218573 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ANULUS REPAIR - Apparatus, systems and methods are used to repair, reconstruct and/or replace spinal features. A flexible longitudinal fixation component such a suture is passed around or through a portion of a spine, with the end sections of the component either being attached to one another or coupled to at least one bone implant. The bone implant may be a bone anchor or may form part of a pedicle screw assembly. The flexible longitudinal fixation component may pass through an anulus fibrosis (AF) and at least one intra-aperture component situated within a void or defect in an AF. The intra-aperture component may be composed of a porous mesh, allograft tissue or xenograft tissue. The intra-aperture component preferably includes one or more proximal-to-distal channels facilitating the intentional initial passage of nucleus pulposis (NP) tissue while preventing the extrusion of the NP long term. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218574 | DYNAMIC VERTEBRAL CONSTRUCT - A vertebral construct includes a first fastening element having a first portion and a second portion configured for engagement with tissue. A rod defines an elongated cavity configured to facilitate dynamic translation of the first portion therein relative to the rod. A second fastening element has a first portion fixedly connected to the rod. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218575 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPINAL FIXATION - Fusion of cervical spinal vertebrae with one or more fixation devices can be accomplished with the described tools and methods. For example, a guidewire introducer can include a tubular introducer cannula and a handle. The handle can be angularly offset from the introducer cannula such that positioning of the introducer on the cervical spine does not interfere with a patient's head. A sheath assembly can include inner and outer sheath bodies and a handle. The handle is angularly offset from the sheath bodies such that the sheath assembly can be applied to the cervical spine without interference to the patient's head. The sheath body can be curved or straight. Various tools such as drills, tapping devices, compression tools, and pin release tools can be applied to the cervical spine through the sheath body to apply the fixation device. The tools can include elongate flexible shafts. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218576 | Plating Concept for Distal Radial Fractures - A bone fixation plate comprises a plate body extending from a first end configured for placement over a shaft of a bone to a second end configured and dimensioned for placement over an epiphysis of the bone, an outer diameter of the plate body increasing from the first end to the second end to substantially conform to dimensions of the bone. An opening extends through the plate from a first surface which faces away from the bone when mounted thereonto to a second surface which faces the bone when in the desired orientation, the opening being positioned so that, when mounted over the bone, a fracture of the bone is visible therethrough to aid in alignment of the bone plate. First and second holes extend through the plate, each of the first and second holes being structured to lockingly engage a threaded head of a bone fixation device inserted thereinto. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218577 | Low Profile Fastening Assembly - In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly that can be used for the fixation or anchoring of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a low profile variable angle or fixed angle fastener assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the fastener assembly with respect to the orthopedic device. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218578 | Polyaxial bone screw with cam connection and lock and release insert - A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A retaining member for capturing the shank in the receiver includes a sloping surface for a frictional, press fit, cammed engagement with the shank. A compression insert having a resilient structure provides non-floppy positioning of the shank with respect to the receiver and also independent locking of the shank with respect to the receiver. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218579 | Polyaxial bone anchor with helical capture connection, insert and dual locking assembly - A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver, a lower compression insert with surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member and a dual closure structure that may include a single flange or helical flange. The dual closure structure independently engages the connecting member and the lower compression insert. A threaded capture connection of the bone anchor includes a shank upper surface exclusively engaging the lower compression insert and a retainer threadably attached to the shank and spaced from the upper surface, the retainer configured for polyaxial motion with respect to the receiver prior to locking. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218580 | BONE FIXATION SYSTEM WITH CURVED PROFILE THREADS - A bone fastener for use in orthopedic surgery for fixing an implant to bone has a threaded or unthreaded shaft configured to engage bone and a head having a thread on an outer surface to engage the implant. The thread on the head of the fastener has a profile in cross section that includes peaks with a curved shape. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218581 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES - One nonlimiting embodiment of the present application is directed to a system for positioning a connecting element adjacent one or more bones or bony portions, such as the spinal column, through a minimally invasive surgical approach. The system generally includes a number of bone anchors engageable to the one or more bones or bony portions and a number of anchor extenders removably engaged to the bone anchors. A connecting element inserter instrument is engageable with one of the anchor extenders and is movable along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extender. As the inserter instrument is moved along the longitudinal axis toward the bone anchors, a leading end of the connecting element is rotated away from the longitudinal axis and the connecting element is positioned at a location adjacent the number of bone anchors in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218582 | Method and Apparatus for Implanting a Modular Femoral Hip - An insertion system for implanting a prosthetic component includes a handle, a shaft, and a guide rod. The handle includes an impaction portion. The shaft extends from and is fixed to the handle. The guide rod is removably coupled to the shaft and includes a proximal end adapted to be rotationally fixed within the impaction portion and a distal end adapted to attach to the prosthetic component. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218583 | Assembly Tool for Modular Implants and Associated Method - An assembly tool comprises in an assembled configuration a proximal implant fastener, a distal implant fastener, and a compression member. The assembly tool is operable to hold in the assembled configuration a proximal implant partially engageable with a distal implant during implantation and axial impaction. Axial impaction is exerted through the compression member of the assembly tool. The assembly tool is also operable to securely lock the tapers of proximal and distal implants after impaction by rotating the compression member. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218584 | Patient Selectable Joint Arthroplasty Devices and Surgical Tools - Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218585 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR BONE REPAIR - Apparatus and methods for repairing a bone. The apparatus and methods may involve transferring a mechanical load from a first bone fragment to a second bone fragment. For example, the first bone fragment may be at the end of the bone. The second bone fragment may be in the diaphyseal region of the bone. The bone fragment at the end of the bone may be separated by a fracture from the bone fragment in the diaphyseal region of the bone. The fracture may interfere with transmission of the load from the bone fragment at the end of the bone to the bone fragment in the diaphyseal region of the bone. Transmission of the load across the fracture by the apparatus may promote healing of the fracture. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218586 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECOGNIZING ARRHYTHMIAS USING NEURAL STIMULATION - In various method embodiments for classifying an arrhythmia, a characteristic of a ventricle is sensed before delivering a diagnostic neural stimulation. The diagnostic neural stimulation is delivered, and the characteristic of the ventricle is sensed while delivering the diagnostic neural stimulation. The sensed characteristic of the ventricle before and during the diagnostic neural stimulation is used to classify the arrhythmia as either a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVT) or a ventricular tachycardia (VT). According to various embodiments, the characteristic of the ventricle is ventricular rate, similarity values of sensed ventricular morphology to a normal sinus rhythm (NSR), or ventricular hemodynamics. Various embodiments use ventricular rate regularity before and during the diagnostic neural stimulation to classify an SVT as atrial fibrillation (AF) or as another SVT. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218587 | Programmer for Biostimulator System - A biostimulator system comprises one or more implantable devices and an external programmer configured for communicating with the implantable device or devices via bidirectional communication pathways comprising a receiving pathway that decodes information encoded on stimulation pulses generated by ones of the implantable device or devices and conducted through body tissue to the external programmer. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218588 | IMPLANTABLE CORTICAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION APPRATUS HAVING WIRELESS POWER SUPPLY CONTROL FUNCTION - An implantable cortical electrical stimulation device having wireless power control function comprises: an electrical stimulation device ( | 2011-09-08 |
20110218589 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND CONDITIONS - The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems used for the treatment of and/or promoting recovery from various neurological disorders and conditions, including epilepsy and other seizure disorders and movement and other related disorders; for promoting recovery from acute or chronic brain injury (e.g. stroke, hypoxia/ischemia, head trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and other forms of brain injury, for awakening and/or promoting the recovery of patients in various levels of coma, altered mental status or vegetative state); or for promoting recovery from chronic daily headache and migraine and related disorders via external (cutaneous) stimulation of the sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve in the face and forehead. More specifically, devices and electrode assemblies configured for stimulation of the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, nasal and infratrochlear nerves are disclosed. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218590 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS - The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218591 | Differential Neurostimulation Therapy Driven By Physiological Therapy - An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218592 | Cochlear Implant Fitting System - A method comprises adjusting baseline auditory stimulation parameters of a cochlear implant on a living body and providing auditory electrical stimulation to a living body via electrodes of the cochlear implant in combination with adjusting the auditory stimulation parameters of the cochlear implant to the living body in real time, retaining a database of used auditory stimulation parameters for a patient and selecting, in real time, from the database a desired one of the stimulation parameters that produces desired hearing percepts in a patient. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218593 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF TINNITUS - Provided herein are systems, devices and methods for stimulation of the cochlea that are sufficient to mimic or replace the spontaneous background neural activity of the cochlea thereby reducing or eliminating tinnitus. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218594 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER FOR BI-DIRECTIONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A piezoelectric element within an external ultrasonic transducer assembly can be used for wireless communication of data between an implantable device and the external ultrasonic transducer assembly such as using ultrasonic energy coupled to a flexible portion of a housing of the transducer assembly. The flexible portion can be configured to contact skin of a body containing the implantable device. The transducer assembly can be configured to respectively transmit or receive ultrasonic energy using at least partially overlapping respective ranges of resonant frequencies. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218595 | PRESCRIPTION DEVICE CONTROLLER - A device for controlling ultraviolet phototherapy exposure to a patient is provided. The phototherapy device has an ultraviolet light source, a biometric scanner and a phototherapy computer coupled together. A prescribing physician can prescribe at least one phototherapy setting for the patient which can be transmitted to the remote phototherapy computer. In order to activate the ultraviolet light source according to the phototherapy setting, the patient can be required to input into the phototherapy computer a patient passcode, and the patient must undergo a biometric scan from the biometric scanner to verify the correct patient is receiving treatment. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218596 | DIABETES SYMPTOM RELIEF THROUGH A LASER BASED MEDICAL DEVICE - Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing diabetic symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a first medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a body. The method also includes reducing elevated blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin levels caused by one or more metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The method further includes providing a relief from the secondary complications of elevated blood glucose levels such as blurred vision, etc., when the treatment is complete. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218597 | Precisely Guided Phototherapy Apparatus - A precisely guided phototherapy apparatus for treating soft tissue injury, chronic pain, and promoting wound healing for both human and animal targets. The phototherapy apparatus comprises sensor means for monitoring the intensity, position, and movement of the therapeutic light beam over the treatment area. The delivered light energy dosage is determined accordingly based on these parameters. The phototherapy apparatus further comprises a projector device for projecting markers on top of the treatment area. The markers represent the values of the delivered light energy dosage for assisting the practitioner or clinician in precisely controlling the phototherapy procedure. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218598 | Stand-Alone Scanning Laser Device - A stand-alone laser device that provides low level laser therapy using one or more laser sources. The laser sources are attached to one or more arms which can be positioned to cause the laser light to impinge on a desired area of a patient's body. A scanning apparatus is attached to the arms which comprise structures that cooperate to cause an optical element to be able to simultaneously rotate about a central axis and move in a linear motion along that axis to achieve any desired scan pattern. Laser light of different pulse widths, different beam shapes and different scan patterns can be applied externally to a patient's body. In the preferred embodiment, red light having a wavelength of about 635 nm is used to stimulate hair growth on a patient's scalp | 2011-09-08 |
20110218599 | Stand-Alone Scanning Laser Device - A stand-alone laser device that provides low level laser therapy using one or more laser sources. The laser sources are attached to one or more arms which can be positioned to cause the laser light to impinge on a desired area of a patient's body. A scanning apparatus is attached to the arms which comprise structures that cooperate to cause an optical element to be able to simultaneously rotate about a central axis and move in a linear motion along that axis to achieve any desired scan pattern. Laser light of different pulse widths, different beam shapes and different scan patterns can be applied externally to a patient's body. In the preferred embodiment, red light having a wavelength of about 635 nm is used to stimulate hair growth on a patient's scalp | 2011-09-08 |
20110218600 | HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to heat-exchanger systems that can be used to heat or cool a fluid such as blood. Pod pumps that provide low shear and low turbulence may be used in such systems, particularly for systems that pump blood. A certain heat-exchanger system used to heat blood or other fluids may be used to provide whole-body hyperthermic treatments or regional hyperthermic chemotherapy treatments. A disposable unit may be used to separate the fluid path from the fluid control systems. The disposable unit typically includes a heat-exchanger component that is received by a corresponding heat exchanger in a base unit. Fluid pumped through the heat-exchanger component is heated by the heat exchanger. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218601 | SKIN PATCH LAMINATE BODY - The present invention provides a skin patch laminate body, comprising a skin patch body including a base layer and a skin adhesive layer being formed on one surface of the base layer for being directly applied to the skin and a heat imparting body including an exothermic agent and an exothermic agent-accommodating layer that accommodates the exothermic agent therein, wherein the exothermic agent-accommodating layer on one surface of the heat imparting body, and the other surface of the base layer of the skin patch body are attached to each other via a peelable adhesive layer. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218602 | BRAIDED IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An implantable medical lead disclosed herein may include a longitudinally extending body, a helical anchor and a lead connector end. The longitudinally extending body may include a distal end, a proximal end, a braid-reinforced inner tubular layer extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an outer tubular layer extending between the proximal and distal ends. The braid-reinforced inner tubular layer may extend through the outer tubular layer in a coaxial arrangement. The helical anchor electrode may be operably coupled to a distal end of the braid-reinforced inner tubular layer. The lead connector end may be operably coupled to the proximal end of the body and include a pin contact operably coupled to a proximal end of the braid-reinforced tubular layer. Rotation of the pin contact relative to the lead connector end may cause rotation of the braid-reinforced inner tubular layer within the outer tubular layer, and the resulting rotation of the braid-reinforced inner tubular layer may cause rotation of the helical anchor electrode. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218603 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218604 | Cardiac Lead for Epicardial, Endocardial and Trans-Coronary Sinus Placement - A cardiac lead includes a half-domed or semi-spherical shaped distal assembly and an active fixation mechanism. The half-domed or semi-spherical shape provides directionality as to whether a flat side of the lead is facing the myocardial tissue and therefore the active fixation mechanism can be deployed safely into the myocardial tissue. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218605 | UPGRADEABLE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - An implantable device including an implantable first module having an elongate carrier member connected to a first housing; a stimulation unit disposed in the first housing and configured to utilize electrical signals received from a second module, and an electrically conductive first lead including at least one electrical conductor extending from the first housing at a proximal end of the first lead to a distal end of the first lead and an electrical insulator covering the at least one conductor at the proximal and distal ends of the first lead, wherein the first lead is configured to provide the signals from the second module to the stimulation unit when the first lead is electrically connected to the second module. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218606 | Methods for Stabilizing Femoral Vessels - The invention provides methods for stabilizing the femoral artery. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218607 | Methods of Self-Aligning Stent Grafts - A method for automatic endovascular alignment of a prosthesis includes loading the prosthesis in a distal delivery assembly, positioning a guidewire into a curved implantation site, and threading a guidewire lumen over the guidewire with the delivery assembly and into an implantation site to at least approximately align the curved distal portion to a curve of a curved implantation site and, thereby aligning the prosthesis. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218608 | Vascular Prosthesis Delivery System and Method - A vascular prosthesis delivery system comprises a radially self expandable vascular prosthesis and a delivery sheath with a lumen with a smaller diameter storage region and a larger diameter delivery region. A prosthesis is housed within the storage region and is movable into the delivery region for delivery at a target site within a patient. The delivery force required to move the prosthesis from the delivery region into the patient can be less than the force required to move the prosthesis from the storage region into the delivery region. In some examples, the storage region defines a tapered lumen expanding in diameter in a distal direction. In some examples, the storage and delivery regions are generally coextensive and define a tapered lumen expanding in diameter in a distal direction. A method stores a vascular prosthesis in the storage region and delivers it to a target site from the delivery region. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218609 | FILL TUBE MANIFOLD AND DELIVERY METHODS FOR ENDOVASCULAR GRAFT - Some embodiments relate in part to endovascular prostheses and methods of deploying same. Embodiments may be directed more specifically to inflatable stent grafts and methods of positioning and deploying such devices within the body of a patient. Some embodiments include inflation devices and methods that allow an inflatable portion of an inflatable stent graft to be inflated from a desired location within the inflatable portion. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218610 | Dilatation and stent delivery system and related methods - The invention relates to a system for dilatation of a body passage and delivery of a stent into the body passage of a patient, and related methods of using such a system. The dilatation and stent delivery system may comprise a dilatation catheter having an expandable member on a distal end, and a stent delivery catheter configured to retain a stent and deliver the stent to a body passage. The stent delivery catheter defines a lumen sized to receive the dilatation catheter and permit movement of the dilatation catheter relative to the stent delivery catheter. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218611 | DRUG ELUTING STENT AND A GUIDE CATHETER DEVICE ASSEMBLY FOR IMPLANTING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a drug eluting stent for delivering therapeutic agents to a body lumen. The stent includes an expandable substrate configured for implantation in a vessel of a human body and a therapeutic agent composition coated over the stent. The balloon catheter shaft has a resilient unit that helps to transmit a force to the distal end, thereby helping to cross lesions. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218612 | MULTIFILAR CABLE CATHETER - A catheter device including an elongate catheter shaft comprising a multifilar cable tubing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. At least a part of the distal portion is more flexible than the proximal portion. The shaft includes two lumens, one of which houses a stent deployment shaft configured to deploy a self-expanding stent disposed in a distal extension of the shaft. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218613 | Vascular Prosthesis Assembly with Retention Mechanism and Method - A vascular prosthesis assembly includes a self expanding prosthesis and a selectively releasable retention mechanism over the outer surface of the prosthesis which maintains the vascular prosthesis in a contracted state. The retention mechanism may include a removable strand extending along the length of the prosthesis having a series of slip knots. The retention mechanism may also include a removable strand which engages overlying layers of a wrapped prosthesis by the passage of the strand through openings in the overlying layers. Manipulation of a user-accessible release strand permits release of the retention mechanism. The retention mechanism may also include a generally cylindrical sheath housing the vascular prosthesis, the sheath constructed to be split and removed to release the prosthesis. A method releases the prosthesis to expand at a target site using a retention mechanism. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218614 | Stent With Sinusoidal Wave Form and Orthogonal End and Method for Making Same - A stent includes a wave form that includes a plurality of struts and a plurality of crowns. The wave form is wrapped around a longitudinal axis so as to define a plurality of turns, including a first turn disposed at a first angle and a second turn disposed at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A first connection connects an end of the wave form that started the first turn to an adjacent crown of the wave form that completed the first turn, a second connection connects a first crown of the second turn to an adjacent crown that completed the second turn, and a third connection connects a crown of the first turn to an adjacent crown of the second turn. The wave form is disrupted between the first turn and the second turn. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218615 | Stent With Multi-Crown Constraint and Method for Ending Helical Wound Stents - A stent includes a wave form having a plurality of struts and a plurality of crowns with each crown connecting two adjacent struts. The wave form is wrapped around a longitudinal axis to define a plurality of turns. The stent includes a first connection that connects an end of the wave form to an adjacent crown in a first turn that defines an end of the stent, and a second connection that connects a first crown of the wave form to an adjacent crown in a second turn. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218616 | Cancer Stent Treatment Device Using Nanotechnology - This application is for a device using aptamers, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled with nanosized iron oxide particles immobilized magnetically on a stent by a magnet and then subsequently killing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) attached to the aptamers by heating the carbon nanotubes with near infrared (NIR) lasers and then release from the stent by removing the permanent magnet and subsequent excretion of the MWCNTs. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218617 | ENDOLUMINAL VASCULAR PROSTHESIS - Some embodiments of an endoluminal prosthesis comprise a graft having a first end and a second end, a first stent positioned at a first end of the graft, the first stent comprising a plurality of proximal apices and a plurality of distal apices, a second stent positioned axially adjacent to the first stent comprising a plurality of proximal apices positioned at a first end of the second stent. In some embodiments, the first stent can be partially covered by the graft such that the proximal apices of the first stent are not covered by the graft. The distal apices of the first stent can be positioned approximately on a first or a second plane offset from the first plane. The second stent can be positioned relative to the first stent such that the plurality of proximal apices of the second stent are spaced apart from the plurality of distal apices of the first stent. Further, one or more of the proximal apices of the second stent can be positioned approximately on a third or a fourth plane. The distal apices of the first stent can be circumferentially offset from the proximal apices of the second stent. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218618 | Self-Regenerating Drug-Delivering Stent - A method for bulk manufacture of a microporous sheet material from polyolefin fibers, where an average pore size in the material is controlled by calendering the material through low-energy rollers at a suitable temperature, pressure and speed. The material is useful to selectively pass or reject certain substances, and may be combined in a resilient, tube-shaped configuration to form a self-regenerating drug-delivering vascular stent that reduces inflammation at the stent site to prevent restenosis. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218619 | LOW-PROFILE HEART VALVE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM - Disclosed replacement heart valves can be designed to be delivered to a native valve site while crimped on a delivery catheter. The crimped profile of the replacement valve can be minimized by, for example, separating a frame or stent structure from a leaflet structure, along the axial direction. Disclosed replacement valves can be transitioned from a delivery configuration, in which the crimped profile can be minimized, to an operating configuration. The replacement valve can be fully assembled in both the delivery and operating configurations. In some embodiments, the leaflets can be positioned outside of the stent in the delivery configuration, and positioned inside of the stent lumen in the operating configuration. Disclosed replacement valves can include a flexible sleeve coupling the leaflets to the stent and facilitating the transition to the operating configuration. Methods of implanting said replacement valves are also disclosed. | 2011-09-08 |
20110218620 | Retaining Mechanisms for Prosthetic Valves - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support member is positioned to at least partially surround the native leaflets of a valve. A locking member is used to couple both ends of the support member, forming a support band. An expandable prosthetic heart valve is delivered into the native heart valve and expanded while the expandable prosthetic valve is at least partially within the support band, thereby causing one or more of the native leaflets of the native heart valve to be frictionally secured between the support band and the expanded prosthetic heart valve. | 2011-09-08 |